I N E L D O R A D O H I L L S n SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
Photo by John Jansen
Cameron Park Rotarian Laurie Edwards gives a child “two magic drops” during Rotary’s effort to immunize children 5 and under against the polio virus. She said, “it touches your heart knowing you may have prevented a child from getting polio.”
Local Rotarian discovers firsthand the
magic of two drops
ORHS coach awaits decision on suspension
Jana Rossi Staff writer
S
ince retiring in 2010 after 23 years as an El Dorado County probation officer, Cameron Park Rotarian Laurie Edwards has gone on to pursue other hobbies — photography taking center stage. She currently divides her time between working as a freelance photographer for several publications, including Cameron Park Life, and volunteering for Sierra Access Television. In January Edwards participated in National Immunization Day, taking a 12-day trip to India organized by the Rotary n
See DROPS, page A4
Courtesy photo
Coach Bob Wright, far right, is seen here with ORHS runners Gloria Dabiri, Elena Denner, Maddy Denner and Mikhayla Polivka at a 2014 event.
Thomas Frey Staff writer
Photo by Laurie Edwards
This is one of Laurie Edwards’ photos featured in “Two Magic Drops,” an award-winning documentary about Rotary’s 2020 National Immunization Day activities in India.
The Oak Ridge High School track and field and cross country teams wish they could just focus on preparing for a season in which there are high expectations. Instead the teams are wondering what will happen to their coach, Bob Wright. Wright was suspended from his coaching position June 29 in a 5-0 vote by the El Dorado Union High School District Board of Trustees after he allowed the Oak Ridge High School track to be used without filling out a facilities permit for a May 23 race. Come the board’s Aug. 25 meeting, dozens of n
See SUSPENSION, page A5
OFFER ON THE TABLE
Students, teacher Trial in boy’s death may be avoided now quarantined Pat Lakey Staff writer
A trial may not be necessary in the death of a 13-year-old boy who became unresponsive when placed under restraint at a private school in El Dorado Hills two years ago, after an El Dorado County Superior Court judge learned this week there may be a plea arrangement pending. Three defendants showed up Aug. 25 in Judge Mark Ralphs’ courtroom, represented by Sacramento attorney Linda Parisi who told the court her clients and El Dorado County deputy district attorney Lisette Suder have been in talks regarding a possible settling of the matter. Defendants Cindy Keller, Staranne Meyers and Kimberly Wohlwend face charges of involuntary manslaughter in the Nov. 28, 2018, death of Max Benson, a student who reportedly had been restrained during a violent autistic episode at the K-12th grade Guiding Hands School two days prior
to his dying at an area hospital. The now defunct campus located in the El Dorado Hills Business Park served some 100 students who for any number of reasons were not assimilated into public schools nor could be reasonably homeschooled. After the boy’s death, the school would close its doors after its certification was revoked based on “numerous California Education Code violations, including (those) related to the use of restraints,” a press release stated shortly following the tragedy. Guiding Hands had offered its services for 25 years. Allegations were that Max Benson, said to be severely autistic, was under an established protocol regarding what type restraint methods might be used on him individually and that the proper and known method was not used in this case. Defendant Keller was the school’s executive director at the time, Meyers was principal and Wohlwend was a special education teacher. It is alleged that n
See OFFER, page A3
Sel Richard Staff writer A Lakeview Elementary School student who attended in-person class at the El Dorado Hills school last week has tested positive for COVID-19. The student (reportedly a fifth-grader), 10 classmates and the teacher are being quarantined and expected to return in early September after a 14-day sequestration. Lakeview is one of seven schools within the Rescue Union School District, which currently has 2,700 students enrolled in their hybrid program. With half of the students attending in the morning and half in the afternoon, each class is no larger than 15 students. The other 800 students in the district attend a fully remote curriculum. “The student was not showing symptoms while n
See QUARANTINE, page A5
INSIDE NEWS VOL. 27
n
ISSUE NO. 36
n
SERENITY IN SHINGLE SPRINGS
n
BID ON EXQUISITE LOCAL ART
This immaculate home has plenty of space to relax and entertain plus a gorgeous backyard that offers privacy.
FOR GUARANTEED WEEKLY DELIVERY, SUBSCRIBE BY CALLING (530) 344-5000 PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 215 FOLSOM, CA 95630
n
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
VILLAGE HOMES, B1
Local artists contribute to the upcoming KVIE art auction. Check out the award-winning submissions.
n
INSIDE, A3
ROOFS • DECKS • WINDOWS • SIDING • GUTTERS Helping you cover your home every step of the way. INTRODUCING 2019
BEST OR RACT CONT
EXTEND roof life 5 years quickly, safely and affordably
Standard Financing Options Available O.A.C. 12 Months – No Interest – No Payments
UP TO
1000 OFF
$
NEW PROJECTS!
(Coupon must be presented at time of estimate, not valid with other offers.) Expires 10/13/20 Straight Line Roofing & Construction • 530-672-9995
CA Lic# 763434 • Licensed & Insured
(530) 672-9995 www.StraightLineConstruction.com Free Estimates! Or visit our showroom at 3811 Dividend Dr., Suite A, Shingle Springs